Zanesville Police Captain Tony Coury said that if you plan on leaving your home for any significant amount you should make sure to lock your doors and windows. He also suggests putting a stop delivery on mail and newspapers and let others know you'll be away.

"Talk to your neighbors. Let them know," said Captain Coury. "You can also call the Zanesville Police Department if you live inside the city limits. We do vacation checks. We don't have a problem sending an officer out on all three shifts to check your residence and make sure that everything is okay."

And while Christmas presents wrapped up in bow may be beautiful, Captain Coury said to watch where you place them.

"We don't advise that you sit your Christmas presents sitting in front of the windows so everybody can see and if you are going to be gone and it's going to be after Christmas it's not the best idea to leave your boxes at the trash, especially expensive gifts to let everybody know what you received for Christmas."

Captain Coury said while Zanesville Police do patrol regularly they can't be everywhere in the city, so if you do see something suspicious contact the department so they can check the area.